Groupe MLV France® is a leading company specializing in cars and trucks bodywork equipment and solutions. The company designs and offers a wide range of products and services tailored to the needs, but also with the help of auto body technician. Their expertise lies in the distribution and development of innovative vehicle repair and maintenance tools and technologies for auto body technicians.
Interview with Bruno Savry, CEO of Groupe MLV France.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Bruno Savry: Our company focuses on three main areas:
- Bench fixtures sets design and rental service
- Sale of equipment for car and trucks body repair shops
- Design of innovative solutions for auto body technician through the FEN-X Innovation® brand.
We strive to offer and design complete solutions that enable auto body technicians to improve efficiency and productivity.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
B.S: The « BUD » draw aligner, developed by FEN-X Innovation®, is an innovative tool that has gained significant attention in the car body repair sector. This unique bracket offers unparalleled capabilities for dent removal and light structural straightening. With its versatile design, the « BUD » draw aligner can be used for a variety of applications, including door panels, hoods, tailgates, fenders, and roofs.
The introduction of the « BUD » draw aligner by FEN-X Innovation® has brought a new level of efficiency and precision to the car body repair process. This tool incorporates a powerful 450 kg winch system for dent removal, while an optional 4-ton hydraulic jack allows for more intense structural straightening. By combining the forces of both the winch and the jack, BUD enables multidirectional pulling, ensuring optimal alignment and a seamless repair.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
B.S: In the FEN-X range, we offer a wide variety of products designed to meet the specific needs of car body repair professionals (BUD draw aligner, punctual pull kit, checking gauge …). The FEN-X Innovation® range, developed by the R&D Department of the Groupe MLV France®, offers innovative equipment specifically designed for the car and truck body repair industry and beyond. As vehicle materials and designs continue to evolve, FEN-X Innovation® stays at the forefront, addressing the ever-changing needs of the car industry. By closely collaborating with car body repair professionals and gaining insights into their daily challenges, the R&D Department of MLV France® is able to create and manufacture “made in France” equipment that meets the demands of both current and future vehicles. The focus is on providing practical and tailored solutions that enhance work ergonomics, save time, and ensure the safety of the workforce, ultimately resulting in precise and efficient repairs.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
B.S: In the market in which we are currently active, we are seeing strong growth in demand for versatile, ergonomic tools that facilitate small-scale bodywork repairs, streamlining repair processes and improving the accuracy and overall efficiency of auto body technician. Indeed, as vehicles become more technologically advanced and safer, major repairs are becoming fewer and farther between, and smaller interventions are becoming the norm in car body repair shops facing increased productivity concerns. Our FEN-X Innovation® products are designed to meet the ever-changing requirements of the automotive industry.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
B.S: Today, we observe that 80% of accidents involve minor urban impacts, while only 20% require the use of a bench (bodywork alignment system). The « BUD » draw aligner fulfills this 80% requirement). In the past, all structural repairs were carried out using the bodywork alignment system (as vehicles were traditionally made of less advanced steel). However, modern vehicles are increasingly designed to withstand collisions and require less extensive alignment work.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
B.S: Fen-X Innovation’s « BUD » draw aligner has garnered high praise for its ease of use and impressive straightening capabilities. Car body repair professionals appreciate its ergonomic design, which allows for comfortable positioning during repairs. Additionally, its mobility and compactness make it easy to transport and store, providing added convenience in busy repair shops.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
B.S: In 2023, we expect continued growth and expansion of our market presence. We will continue to focus on delivering high-quality products, strengthening customer relationships and staying at the forefront of technological advances. The year 2023 also marks the start of our partnership with distributor SACATEC, which now includes the FEN-X Innovation® range in its catalog for distribution in France and abroad.
A few details:
The FEN-X Innovation® range is entirely designed and produced in France. The autonomous BUD draw aligner received the “Coup de Coeur du Jury” (Jury’s Favorite) award in 2022 from the French magazine “Décision Atelier”.